November 9, 2015 Escape to Aruba

Escape to Aruba

By: Nancy Esteves

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When we dream of a Caribbean vacation, images of crystalline turquoise waters, white-sand

beaches and luxurious indulgences come to mind. There are many amazing destinations in the

Caribbean that match this description but on the top of my favorite list you’ll find Aruba.

For those that haven’t been to Aruba, this tiny little island located 15 miles north of

Venezuela, (19.6 by 6 miles long) is actually the most touristic island in the Southern

Caribbean. The “No-worries-One Happy Island” Aruban attitude makes it the perfect place

to unwind and live out a Caribbean vacation fantasy. Breathtaking sunset views, beautiful

blue waters, warm trade winds and friendly people will definitely get you in happy mode

quickly. The magic happens as you step out of the airport– an overwhelmingly calm and

happy sensation takes over.

#bestbview

Easy, Breezy, Beautiful

Aruba is blessed with guaranteed great weather year round. Boasting one of the top ten

picture-perfect beaches in the Caribbean, these pristine waters offer unforgettable memories–

great for kids as the waters are calm, unrivaled powder white sand for them to frolic in,

world-class hotels, great water sports, lots to do so you can create those great instagramable

moments. And for us big kids, even though it’s laid back, there’s still exquisite dining, chic

bars and a slew of daytime and nighttime action making it an ideal choice for a perfect

Caribbean escape.

I am a big fan of the Dutch Caribbean, and Aruba’s distinctive beauty is its striking contrasts:

casinos alongside desert landscapes, cacti with surf, and Dutch language and Papiamento,

(the island language, a blend of Portuguese, Dutch, Spanish and West African). And the

shopping–from local crafts to Louis Vuitton (duty-free prices too).

Aruba is a happy melting pot. Interestingly enough, there are currently just over 100,000

inhabitants on the island but there are over 96 different nationalities making it very

multicultural. The people are well-educated, speak four languages and have a zest for

hospitality.

ARUBA GASTRONOMIC AFFAIR —the food on Aruba was non-stop amazing and

for a foodie like me, I was in true paradise. Definitely fits the description “Dushi,” a favorite

local word used for many things like delicious or things beloved and sweet– even people are

called “Dushi” here.

The local food here is exceptional and there are hundreds of world-class international

restaurants featuring Caribbean fusion cuisine. What marks the difference in Aruba’s

culinary experience?–Tables on top of powdery sand offering amazing views.

#Foto simply fish de la vista

Aruba Marriott’s Simply Fish Restaurant is right on the beach. It’s listed as one of Trip

Advisor’s “Top 10 Must Dine at Restaurants,” shoes prohibited; you can literally wiggle your

toes in the sand. As you can see pictured, the lobster tail is phenomenal; it even comes with a

side of lobster bisque! My colleagues ordered the macadamian crusted snapper which they

raved about, and we all loved the scallops and crab appetizer.

# foto simply fish comida.

As part of The Eat Local Aruba Restaurant Week we had a chance to explore Aruba’s

culinary heritage by sampling locally inspired dishes. A totally different dining experience

was held at Screaming Eagle as we literally speaking dined in bed; they served us an

absolutely amazing scrumptious gourmet meal in a canopy bed. In South Beach, we enjoy

chic French fusion cuisine. My dinner companion was Marriott’s lovely Stacy Banfield,

pictured. Chef Erwin Hüsken has received great praise for his culinary accomplishment!

#foto dinner in bed

For a Dutch treat, Linda’s Dutch Pancakes offers gluten free pancakes- with ham, cheese and

pineapple—heavenly. I also visited a cozy local restaurant called West Deck where I enjoyed

a sunset dinner featuring delicious lobster and shrimp cocktail, mojitos served inside a

coconut, balashis (the local beer) and a huge portion of fresh catch and local bread, called Pan

Bati, which resembles and tastes like pancakes.

#Foto Cheese pancakes

Cooking Class with Chef Miguel Garcia

We had a great time with Aruba Marriott’s Chef Garcia where he taught a class on making

the traditional Keshi Yena, an Aruban main course dish, consisting of a large round ball of

Gouda cheese stuffed with spiced meat. This hands-on award winning chef caters to all the

guest special requests. The Keshi Yena was amazingly tasty. (We’ve included the recipe on

p. 35).

#Chef Miguel Garcia con el caption completo

Wind, Water and The Wild Side of Aruba

#greatplacetomeditate #wildside

By the wild side, I mean the northern coast, an unusual landscape of cacti, twisted divi-divi

trees and abandoned gold mines. So my off -road jeep safari provided by De Palm Tours,

took our group through the rugged Busibirana Gold Mill Ruins, next to it you can make a

wish in the Rock Wish Garden, where tourists come to build their own devotional towers of

stones.

#Bushibirana #foto Bushi nan y # wishing

Back in the 1400’s and 1500’s, adventurers traveled throughout the Caribbean in search of

gold. According to legend, one of these treasure islands was named “Oro Ruba,” which

means “red gold,” now known as Aruba. In 1824, gold was finally discovered in Aruba, and

eventually, the industry produced more than 3 million pounds of gold. You will see me

pictured in an abandoned gold mill.

Our jeep safari took our group through the Arikok National Park, where we encountered

dramatic landscapes. Animals roam freely throughout the almost 8,000 acres and the Visitors’

Center houses an exhibit of Aruba’s endemic animals such as the Aruban cat eye snake

(santanero), endangered rattle snake (cascabel) and the The Aruban burrowing owl (Shoco).

You can also get thereby hiking (definitely not for me), mountain biking or horseback riding.

There are plenty herds of goats and donkeys, rabbits, birds and reptiles enjoying the park. We

had some “too- close- for-comfort” encounters of friendly donkeys.

#horsback

The park houses the The Quadirikiri, Fontein and Huliba caves with Arawak Indian drawings

and also protects bats that have made their home inside. The bats are nocturnal and harmless.

At the park, you will also find Diamari Beach, Dos Playa and Boca Prins, which are popular

beaches to visit but the water can be rough and currents strong, so swimming is not

recommended. However, if you continue the trek, you can discover Aruba’s amazing hidden

treasure — the Natural Pool, called Conchi, perfect for a cool dip! Getting there was quite

bumpy, but it you like to Indiana- Jones-it, it’s most definitely worth it.

#arubakiteboardingexteme

Then it was off to Baby Beach in Seroe Colorado, joined by the “Getaway Girls” (Courtney

Scott and Kiersten Rich) who were filming and episode with their go pros.

Baby Beach is a man-made lagoon and offers some of the best snorkeling on the island. The

beach’s extensive coral reefs offer a kaleidoscope of coral and tropical fish. The extremely

shallow waters offer a safe swim for small children—that’s why it’s called Baby Beach.

#babybeachbest

Stand up paddle boarding (SUP) Yoga

It was my last day. I wasn’t sure I could do this but…check out the photo! I nailed the

warrior pose, sun salutations and more…

#Yoga best

For fans of stand up paddle boarding (SUP), the calm coastal waters of Palm Beach by the

Marriott is a serene venue for the sport, giving paddlers a unique perspective of the island

while getting a full-body exercise workout. Rachel Brathen, of Island SUP, inspired me to

“go for it,” so we took a very energizing and grounding yoga class.

Accommodations- THE TASTE OF ARUBA MARRIOTT escape took me to

Palm Beach, where sugary white beaches and the gloriously blue Caribbean Sea is the

backdrop to the luxurious world-class Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino, which has

recently undergone a $50 million renovation. Modernly decorated, it maintains an elegant

minimalistic feel and features oversized room with great balconies and impeccable service.

#arubamariot areal #executivekingroom

Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino is replete with amenities for a worry free vacation.

And if you want a more action-packed one, there are many water sports activities available,

beach tennis and volleyball and a full gym. They are also FAMILY FRIENDLY and have

Children’s Pool Outdoor with waterfall. There’s also a grand ballroom for conferences,

events or destination weddings.

#relaxingbymarriottpool #beach palapas

As far as food goes, you really don’t have to leave the premises. Restaurants include: Simply

Fish, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Ketsu Sushi bar, La Vista, which has a great buffet,

Champions Sport Bar next door and a Swim up bar inside the pool—lots of options, and the

Stellaris Casino to try your luck! You will also find boutiques and a jewelry stores. FOR

ADULTS ONLY: Tradewinds Club for a Private Retreat– an intimate hotel-within-a-hotel, a

collection of 49 deluxe rooms features panoramic ocean views, a private lounge and a host of

elite privileges. They can even unpack your bags (upon request) while you explore the

exclusive Tradewinds Club guests-only beach area and then take a dip in the new H2Oasis

adult-only pool. Try an Ariba Aruba (the local cocktail). Guests must be 18 years or older.

#h20oasis pool

Pampering: Balinese style interior design, the Mandara Spa at the neighboring Aruba

Marriott Ocean club is the largest professional spa on the island and includes VIP couple

treatment rooms. Even Aloe & Milk Bath Wraps!

HAPPENINGS ON ARUBA

Each month there’s a festival or concert happening. Recently, the Aruba International Film

Festival was hosted by Hollywood stars Tyrese Gibson and Virginia Madsen. Jazz and Latin

lovers count on an incredible experience at the annual Caribbean Sea Jazz Festival, Soul

Beach Music Festival and of course Carnaval- the biggest event of the year, as is their New

Year’s Eve Firework extravaganza!

GREEN INITIAVES

I had the opportunity to take a tour of Aruba’s agricultural department’s green initiative.

Since there is little in the way of vegetation, produce is basically imported. The department is

currently assisting farmers to grow their own crops and now locally run green houses and

farmers markets have surged. Aruba is actually at the forefront of the energy revolution. Ten

large windmills line the rugged eastern coast. Within 10 years, 100% of the island’s energy

will come from renewable sources.

BAREFOOT FOOTPRINTS

Palm Beach and Eagle Beach are beyond breathtaking. Whether it’s the perfect winds of

Boca Grandi for kite surfing, the stunning reefs of Mangel Halto for snorkeling and diving, or

the waves of Andicuri for body surfing you’ve arrived to beach heaven. I’m in love with the

small, secluded beach by Malmomk, Boca Catalina on the way to the lighthouse, the view

and the water will leave a forever lasting impression. Hadicuri, is a great place to wind surf as

the trade winds can be as strong as 20mph, so hold on to your hats! But most importantly,

don’t forget to leave your barefoot footprints on your favorite beach!

#Aruba Beach

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